On March 15, 2015 my 19 year old son Brenden died by suicide. This traumatic, life changing event started my personal journey into the new world of grief and mourning.

I found great comfort and healing in attending a suicide grief support group, and sharing my story with others that were also on their own grief journeys. Through my journey, I discovered a great love for sitting with people and creating a safe place for them to share their “love stories”. I knew I wanted to help others dive into and reconcile their grief, so I began attending grief trainings. In 2018 I obtained my Death and Grief Studies Certification. I have been Companioning people by facilitating multiple Grief Support groups and doing special grief support events to allow space for people to do the hard work of mourning.

I am now in the process of completing my certification to be a Grief Support Specialist, and plan to follow my passion to companion others by being fully present to those suffering a loss with patience, empathy and openness. To create a safe place to encourage and allow people to embrace their pain, to face the reality of their loss and to learn to reconcile and integrate their loss into their lives and find hope to live and love fully again.

When I was 13 my mom died of cancer. I spent the better part of a decade trying to convince myself that I didn’t need to heal and that I was “fine,” until, of course, I wasn’t.

So I finally sought help from a counselor and my life was forever changed. I realized that there were a lot of other losses I had been avoiding grieving as well.

The work is never easy, but it is worth it. I can tell you that “running” from your emotions doesn’t work and that I feel one-million tons lighter now that I have begun healing.

I now am passionate about creating content that helps other people address their grief. I love creating music, blogs, shows, and books - and now this event!

Can’t wait for you to join us!

My personal grief journey began before my 3rd birthday with the death of my brother. I’ve also grieved the death of both parents and many other loved ones.

I have a Master’s degree in guidance and counseling and have spent 25+ years in education in various roles, from elementary through high school, and outreach education. I felt a distinct calling from God to serve others in a different way several years ago, so I pursued post graduate certification as a Grief Support Specialist from UW-Madison. While I’ve had excellent education, lots of experience and mentors, my best teachers in recent years are those who I have humbly walked alongside on their grief journey. They have taught me so much, and I am privileged to share what I have learned with the hopes of supporting you on your grief journey.